A Headstrong Woman(26)

“You have any more where that came from?” Clay nodded at his wife’s coffee.

“Of course, you all have a seat and I’ll get you some coffee and some cookies to go with it.” Carolyn rose and Janice and Alexandria rose with her.

“The only thing that sounds better than coffee is coffee and cookies,” Nathaniel commented as he seated himself beside his wife.

Janice grabbed the cookies and milk and sugar for the coffee while Alexandria and her mother filled and handed out cups of coffee.

“Things look to be in good shape around here,” Nathaniel commented before taking a drink of his coffee. “Which brings me to a matter of business, Alexandria. What exactly are you plans now?”

“I honestly don’t know; I guess I’m unsure what my options even are,” she admitted and forced her hands to still in her lap, rather than wringing them in anxiety.

“What about Lilly?” he queried as he watched her closely.

Alexandria clenched her hands in her lap and took a deep breath. “I’m only her step-mother; you’re her natural grandparents so I guess it’s your decision to make.”

“I’ve seen you with her and I know how deeply you love her, Alexandria; do wish to retain custody of her?” It was Janice who spoke now.

Alexandria felt tears spring to her eyes. “I’d like to, yes.”

“I would take her in a heartbeat if I didn’t see and know how much you mean to each other but I can and do and I can’t do that to either of you.” Janice looked on the verge of tears herself.

“Thank you,” it came out a whisper. “I,” Alexandria had to stop and clear her throat. “I couldn’t love her anymore if she were my own.” Alexandria accepted the handkerchief her father passed to her.

“You are her mother, Alexandria, birth alone does not a mother make; you have a mother’s heart and Lilly has made herself at home there and you in hers. We want visitation of course,” Janice informed her.

“Absolutely! I would never dream of keeping her from you,” Alexandria assured them.

“That brings us to the next bit of business then. I want you to know you have a home with us should you ever want it or need it,” Nathaniel informed her.

“And you are more than welcome for you and Lilly to join us,” her father added.

“We’ve been discussing it this morning and what we want to know is if you wish to remain here? We know you have no experience ranching but we know you are an intelligent woman and we will be available if you need us,” Nathaniel offered.

Alexandria’s eyes widened. Run the ranch herself?

“Jonathon, Mr. Stewart, has agreed to stay on as foreman and is more than capable of helping you learn the lay of the land so to speak. With his help and your father and brother checking in, we believe you could learn to run this place by yourself.”

She glanced at Mr. Stewart and found him watching her; his expression was neutral but his eyes seemed to be conveying confidence in her. Alexandria felt her heart lift with hope, she could, couldn’t she?

“This place should be kept and maintained for Lilly,” she mused aloud.

“A part of it, yes, but I don’t think that you should work and maintain it all these years to end up with nothing. This is a large ranch thanks to Elijah’s forethought in buying up small parcels over the years. I propose we set a part of it in trust for Lilly upon reaching her majority and that the remainder should be yours. If we take that approach, you will be getting your investment and work out of it and her part will be protected should you remarry.”

“I seriously doubt that will be an issue,” Alexandria stated confidently. Her mother and father frowned but said nothing.

“Either way, I think that is the best approach,” Nathaniel offered.

Alexandria nodded her agreement. “I want to do it,” she announced; excitement was starting to take root.

“It will be difficult to run this place and raise Lilly alone,” Janice warned, “but we think you are more than capable.”

“I could stay and help with Lilly for a while, just until she learns her way around ranching. That way she won’t be worrying over Lilly’s care,” Anna offered.

Clay and Caroline exchanged glances before seeming to reach an unspoken agreement.

“That’s Alexandria’s decision, though she might appreciate your help.”

“Thanks, Anna, I think I’ll take you up on that,” Alexandria smiled in her direction.